The event was held in the stunning National Catering Equipment Centre which opened in September 2017 on St. Brendan’s Way (BS11 9HA). Zoe Joyner from Nisbets welcomed us to the building which is a showcase for Catering Equipment including Nisbets own brands.

We were delighted that Cllr. Asher Craig (Bristol City Council Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Communities) was able to join us and open the event.

She commended the businesses, community groups and other organisations for coming together to cooperate and collaborate; and supporting better use of community assets to help build local resilience.

The breakfast was focused around a Local Community Facilities Dragons Den. Thirty-eight people came along, representing 27 businesses and organisations, including 10 community groups.

Each Community Group had a few minutes to share the aims of their potential bids to the Community Facilities Grant from the Port Communities Resilience Fund. As any bid requires 100% match funding the groups are keen to develop links to businesses who may be able to offer support.

A range of ‘asks’ emerged including project management support, mentoring, help with planning, groundworks, building design, sponsorship for sports activities and more. Its certainly not ‘just about money’.

Following these introductions everyone had an opportunity to chat and network together … the last people leaving just before 10:00. We understand a number of good connections were made, including B2B leads to be followed up.

If you are interested in connecting up with community groups who might welcome your support, please email [email protected] with the sort of support you might have available, and we can pass this on.

November’s business breakfast will be taking place on Thursday 16th November from 07:30 to 09:00. You can register here. Host to be announced soon.

If you are interested in SevernNet membership you can find out more here.

If you would like to host a Business Breakfast and/or sponsor breakfast please get in touch. Lack of a venue need not be a constraint. Both The Bristol Port Company and Shirehampton Golf Club are able to provide a venue (subject to availability).

The sun shone on Avonmouth Summer Fest in spite of the weather forecast which had promised heavy rain and thunder and lightning. Lots of people turned out to enjoy a variety of activities including learning a circus skill or how to grow food, playing in the ball swamp, fishing for fruit and veg or helping to create a flower mandala.

More active pursuits were available in the form of Zumba, circle dancing or hula hooping and the bike carousel was a great hit with the children but also one or two adults.

A Forgotten landscape artist in residence, Deborah, helped residents to create a big paper model of the village and port.

Relaxing opportunities included a cup of Pukka tea, a massage with Rosie, a sound bath from Monika and Yoga with Simon.

The human library offered the opportunity to have the loan of a person instead of a book and find out about an interesting hobby, job or life style. One of the books on offer was Dr William Lee who has been involved with the Bloodhound SSC project which is based here in Avonmouth. The ambition of Bloodhound is to design a car which will go at 1000 miles an hour and at the same time engage children and young people in Science, technology, engineering and maths.

It was great to see so many familiar faces but we were also pleased to see people who were new to the community centre. We also had a visit from the Port Police and the Fire Service both of which were enjoyed by the children.

Of course none of this would have been possible without the support of local business, Thanks go to Nisbets, The Bristol Port Company, Professional Hygiene and Warburton’s who all contributed.

We also had support in the form of prize draw prizes from Koh Thai Tapas, Square Food Foundation, and Lawrence Weston Community Farm. The public health team, Avonmouth children’s centre team and St Andrews church also work hard and contributed to the success of the event.

For more information about the event and Avonmouth Community Centre check out their facebook page or contact the Community Centre on 0117 982 7445 or email [email protected]

Knowle West Health Park has been commissioned by Bristol City Council to deliver free workplace health checks in Bristol North.

Pip A’Ness, Health Checks Outreach Worker:
“There are two ways in which workplaces can work with us:
1. Promote the health checks being offered locally in community venues to staff via email and noticeboards.
2. Alternatively, with sufficient interest from staff, I could come on site to deliver the 30-minute health check to eligible employees (registered with a GP within Bristol City Council), times to suit. There is no cost to the company other than provision of a room and promotion to staff.

We have now delivered some 750 health checks in over 30 different workplaces across Bristol in the past 12 months, including the Cater Road Business Park, South Bristol Community Hospital and the BRI, First Bus, Bristol Waste Company, Babcock, Midas Construction, Computershare and the DWP Jobcentres. Where men predominately make up the workforce this project is proving invaluable in getting men to talk about their health and make positive lifestyle changes when, traditionally, men delay seeking help until their health has deteriorated. Some 50% of the people I see are referred back to their GPs for high blood pressure or the ‘diabetes check’. Everyone receives advice around making healthier lifestyle choices. The simple Health ‘MOT’ can be a life-saver.”

Employees really appreciate this opportunity:
* Workplace is easier than making an appointment at the surgery. Felt more relaxed, didn’t feel rushed, every step explained. Very worthwhile. Should be adopted nationwide. (Female, 52)

* Very informative. I was very interested in the cholesterol guidelines – good/bad, etc. I am hoping that my health check will kick start my cycling/swimming regime. (Male, 59)

* Always expected things to be fine, but this underlines there’s no room for complacency, so exercise to be upgraded. (Male, 60)
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